Cameron University staff members selected to receive Pickaxe Award

Cameron University staff members Susan Hill and Roger Long are the recipients of the Spring 2011 semester’s Pickaxe Awards, which recognize full-time Cameron employees who have made an extraordinary effort on Cameron’s behalf. Hill is the secretary for the Department of English and Foreign Languages. Long is the transportation foreman in the Physical Facilities Department. Each received a $500 stipend and a certificate commemorating the award.

The Pickaxe Award is presented each semester to recognize full-time employees whose performance exceeds the expectations of their job descriptions. The award recipients have made a contribution and/or commitment that has resulted in a significant difference to Cameron students, visitors, or other employees, or whose commitment to their job responsibilities, department, or the university stands out as a clear example to all other employees. Award recipients must have been employed full-time at least one year at Cameron. Nominations were made by Cameron students, faculty and staff. Recipients were selected by the university’s Executive Council.

Hill has played a vital role in the Department of English and Foreign Languages for more than 25 years. Her knowledge of the history of the department is unrivalled. Hill also serves as financial officer for The Collegian and is responsible for maintaining the publication’s financial records and processing advertising billing.

One nominator wrote, “She has been a rock for CU students, staff and faculty…Susan’s work ethic is an inspiring example to those around her. I have personally witnessed Susan untangling and dusting computer wires and ensuring offices and equipment were spotless and in good working condition so that new faculty are welcomed to CU properly.”

As transportation foreman, Roger Long keeps all university vehicles clean and in good working order. “If Roger can’t find a driver to escort the bus on a trip, he will drive it himself,” one nominator said. “If a vehicle breaks down, Roger is right there to come to the rescue.”

In 2008, Long was asked to manage the university’s online maintenance work order request system, a system he implemented to improve the department’s response time to maintenance requests. One nominator wrote, “He continues to improve this system and goes to great lengths to help people with their requests.”

Another wrote, “Roger is a dedicated worker. Many times he has rescued a stranded driver…on a weekend or during late hours.”

That sentiment was seconded in another nomination, which said, “Roger has graciously used his own personal time and money to help others out. His parents raised a son with impeccable ethics and good moral values.”